Roger A. Wiemer

June 8, 1932-December 20, 2010

Roger Allen Wiemer, loving husband, father, grandfather, friend and mentor passed away peacefully in his home on Monday, December 20, 2010 from complications of colon cancer. He was born June 8, 1932 in Burlington, Iowa to Edgar and Elma Wiemer. He married Norma Jean Brandt on October 18, 1952.

He began working for the J.C. Penney Company after graduating from high school. He started out as a window dresser and worked his way up to assistant manager. In 1970, the family moved to Springfield, Missouri, when he was transferred to the Penney store on the Square. Soon afterward, he helped open the Battlefield Mall location. After 21 years with the company, in 1971, he made a career move by purchasing Cherokee Lanes.

He and Norma joined Messiah Lutheran Church in 1970. They have been very involved members, contributing both their time and talents. During a recent renovation, Roger constructed several items within the sanctuary, including the altar, baptismal font, and lectern. Being able to do this for their church gave him immense pleasure.

Although he was passionate about Tuesday golf at Hickory Hills, bowling was his life. As a 14 year-old boy, he learned to set pins at the local bowling center. He attended his first National Championship at the age of 16, and this past summer he participated for the 51st time. Over the past 40 years, he owned and operated 6 bowling centers and proudly mentored several individuals who followed in his footsteps, becoming bowling proprietors themselves. At the time of his passing, he was a partner in three centers; Enterprise Park Lanes, Sunshine Lanes, and Holiday Lanes.

He is survived by his wife, Norma; three children, Calla Wiemer of Los Angeles, Calif., Steve Wiemer and wife Carla of Springfield, Mo., and Randy Wiemer and wife Mary of Columbia, Mo.; three grandchildren, Jennifer Seris and husband Chris of Columbia, Mo., Zach Wiemer of Columbia, Mo., and Rayne Peerenboom of Los Angeles, Calif.; two brothers, Mike Wiemer and wife Freddie of Temecula, Calif. and Dave Wiemer and wife Wanda of Burlington, Iowa.

Visitation will be held in Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home on Wednesday, December 22, 2010 from 5:00pm - 7:30 pm. Funeral services will be held in Messiah Lutheran Church on Thursday, December 23, 2010 at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Messiah Lutheran Church Building Fund, 925 E. Seminole Springfield, Missouri 65804, a project very dear to Roger's heart.

Tributes may be left online at www.gormanscharpf.com